Mr Dhiren Shivji
Dhiren is a specialist neurological physiotherapist with broad experience in working with people with neurological conditions, including newly diagnosed, long term and progressive neurological disorders. Since graduating in 2010 from Sheffield Hallam University, Dhiren has worked across a range of settings. Gaining experience from large London teaching hospitals fuelled a clinical interest in neurological physiotherapy.
Dhiren currently works at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN) in the NHS. He is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), as well as the Association of Charted Physiotherapists Interested in Neurology (ACPIN).
Most recently, Dhiren has undertaken postgraduate study in Leadership for Allied Health Professionals which sparked an interest in healthcare leadership and allowed him to deepen his understanding of facilitating change and given him the opportunity and safe space to reflect on the successes and failures of past projects. Dhiren has been able to implement change within his workplace which include waiting list initiatives and early rehabilitation which have both had a positive impact on patient care.
Dhiren runs specialist tertiary clinics alongside a consultant neuropsychiatrist and neurologist for patients with functional neurological disorder (FND). He is currently involved in numerous projects which include seeing patients seeing patients sooner with a new diagnosis of FND. He is also involved in a pilot project across North Central London to develop and navigate neuro rehabilitation pathways for patients with long term conditions.
Dhiren is on the ACPIN committee and regularly helps host events and teaches on both internal and external courses. Dhiren has a passion to develop others. Dhiren is a founding member of the EDI group at NHNN, UCLH. Dhiren believes that we should have representation at all levels and everyone should have a voice within the workplace.
Reason for applying for the scheme
Dhiren is excited about his role as an NHS Regional Clinical Leadership Fellow for East of England. He hopes the scheme will enable him to further develop key skills in strategic thinking, negotiation and working together to enable change. Dhiren worked clinically during the pandemic and is aware that change is possible within a complex system when the driving forces are strong enough.
Dhiren is keen to build on his understanding of how health policy can be effectively translated into health systems and how this can be adapted to local need. The clinical fellowship scheme will allow Dhiren to enhance his understanding of NHS systems and policy development at both regional and national level. Dhiren has a specialist interest in health inequality and access to care. Dhiren is looking forward to highlighting the role of AHPs and the value they can add in leadership positions.
